Unit 1918: Health Psychology

1. Introduction to Health Psychology

• Definition and scope of health psychology
• Historical development and evolution of the field
• Importance of psychological factors in health and illness
• Distinction between health psychology and related disciplines

2. The Biopsychosocial Model

• Overview of the model
• Biological factors: genetics, physiology, immune function
• Psychological factors: cognition, emotions, behavior
• Social factors: family, culture, socioeconomic status
• Interaction and integration of these factors in health outcomes

3. Health Behaviors and Health Promotion

• Definition and examples of health behaviors
• Impact of diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol use, and medication adherence on health
• Theories explaining health behavior change (e.g., Health Belief Model, Theory of Planned Behavior)
• Strategies for health promotion and disease prevention

4. Stress and Health

• Concept and types of stress (acute vs. chronic)
• Physiological stress response: HPA axis, sympathetic nervous system
• Psychological stress appraisal and coping mechanisms
• Effects of stress on physical and mental health

5. Chronic Illness and Coping Strategies

• Psychological impact of chronic illnesses (e.g., diabetes, cancer, arthritis)
• Models of coping: problem-focused vs. emotion-focused coping
• Adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies
• Role of social support and resilience

6. Pain Management and Psychology

• Psychological aspects of pain perception
• Types of pain: acute, chronic, neuropathic
• Behavioral and cognitive pain management techniques
• Role of relaxation, mindfulness, and biofeedback in pain control

7. Psychosocial Factors in Cardiovascular Health

• Influence of stress, personality traits (e.g., Type A behavior), and social support
• Psychosocial risk factors for cardiovascular disease
• Mechanisms linking psychosocial factors to heart health

8. Health Disparities and Social Determinants of Health

• Definition and examples of health disparities
• Social determinants: socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, access to care, environment
• Impact of disparities on health outcomes
• Strategies to address and reduce health disparities

9. Psychological Interventions in Health Settings

• Overview of psychological interventions used in healthcare
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and its applications
• Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)
• Relaxation techniques and biofeedback
• Integration of psychological care in multidisciplinary teams

10. Health Psychology Research Methods

• Experimental designs in health psychology research
• Use of surveys and questionnaires
• Qualitative research approaches: interviews, focus groups
• Ethical considerations in health psychology research
• Data analysis and interpretation relevant to health outcomes